Everton’s deadline day ended in frustration as a £40 million move for US international Folarin Balogun collapsed at the final moment. Despite the club renegotiating the deal structure with Monaco—agreeing to lower upfront payments in favor of add-ons—and submitting a deal sheet, the 25-year-old striker reportedly changed his mind and walked away from the transfer.
This failed move leaves manager David Moyes with Thierno Barry as his only recognized striker for the first half of the season. The situation was compounded by the earlier departures of Beto, who joined Fiorentina for £15.5 million, and Iliman Ndiaye, who moved to Manchester City for £60 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons. Everton had also explored loan options for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham, but both approaches were rejected.
The club’s defensive reinforcements also faced hurdles. A proposed £9 million deal for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete fell through when Fulham failed to secure their target, Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano. Everton eventually addressed their need for a right-back by signing 29-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon on a three-year contract for approximately £4.2 million.
Financial flexibility for these moves was generated through several player sales, including Tim Iroegbunam to Hull for an initial £15 million and Nathan Patterson to Torino for an undisclosed fee. Additionally, the club attempted to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.
In a positive development, Jack Grealish has returned to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on a season-long loan from Manchester City. The 30-year-old, who previously enjoyed a productive spell at the club before a fractured foot ended his 2025-26 campaign in February, expressed his delight at the return. Grealish, who is out of contract at City next summer, noted that he feels at his best when he feels loved by the manager, teammates, and fans. He could make his second Everton debut this Sunday against Manchester United. The report also notes that then I stayed around after I got injured, i had a perfect time here for the first six months. The report also notes that not just football, when I feel loved, i think I’m at my best at everything in life. The report also notes that it’s just pure love, every time I see an Everton fan. The report also notes that “It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy. The report also notes that i’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started.
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